Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  44 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG, WITH AN EXTREMELY RARE LINEAL ARRANGEMENT OF STARS IN ROWS OF 9-9-9-9-8, A ROPE HOIST, AN ELONGATED OVERALL PROFILE, AND AN ELONGATED CANTON; REFLECTS WYOMING STATEHOOD, 1890-1896

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 46" x 80"
Flag Size (H x L): 34" x 66.5"
Description....:
Wyoming was admitted as the 44th state on July 10th, 1890. Although the 44 star count would not become official until July 4th of the following year, flag makers would have begun to add a 44th star immediately, if not even beforehand, in hopeful anticipation. This became common among flag-makers during the latter 19th century, a practice that reflected both their support of westward expansion and a drive not to be out-stepped by their competitors. While the 44 star count remained so until July 3rd, 1896, it would have generally fallen out of use at the beginning of that year, when Utah gained statehood on January 4th.

The stars of this particular example are configured in rows of 9-9-9-9-8, which is extremely unusual. While rows of 8 are common, very few American national flags of any period incorporate rows of 9 or more stars. Elongated in shape, the canton is likewise elongated, consuming approximately half the length of the flag, in order that it may accommodate the extra-long formation of rows.

The stars are made of cotton and are double-appliquéd (applied to both sides) with a lineal machine stitch. The striped field and canton are made of wool bunting that has been joined in the same fashion. The small patches of wool at the top and bottom of the hoist are called gussets. These are original to the flag's construction and were added for reinforcement at the points where it was subject to the most wear.

There is a coarse linen or hemp binding along the hoist, in the form of an open sleeve, through which a length of braided hemp rope, looped at the top, was threaded and hand-stitched into position. Note how the rope adds considerable visual appeal to the flag’s overall presentation.

At just under 3 feet on the hoist by 5.5 feet on the fly, the flag is unusually small among its counterparts of the period with pieced-and-sewn construction, most of which were 7-8 feet long and larger.

Mounting: The flag was mounted and framed within our own conservation department, which is led by expert staff. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and have framed thousands of examples.

The black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed molding is Italian. The background is 100% cotton twill, black in color, that has been washed and treated for colorfastness. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic (Plexiglas). Feel free to contact us for more details.

Condition: There is minor mothing in the striped field and canton, and minor soiling but the overall condition is great for a wool flag of the period. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 44
Earliest Date of Origin: 1890
Latest Date of Origin: 1896
State/Affiliation: Wyoming
War Association: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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